The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework and processes for resolving disputes to protect both Building Owners and the Adjoining owners during a construction project in relation to building works on party walls, party fence walls, and excavations near to adjacent buildings.

Building Projects, often through no fault of anyone involved, by their very nature, can throw up unexpected issues and complications that all involved need assurance can be dealt with legally and in a truly egalitarian fashion.

It provides a safe and usually amicable framework in which Building Owners who want to do a construction project can proceed and have the comfort of being protected from erroneous claims and Adjoining Owners are protected from damage to their properties as well as receiving confirmation that all is being executed correctly within regulations and good working practices are guaranteed.

Issue Notice (s) for building work.

When a Building Owner wishes to do a construction project that involves new foundations, any structural work involving the party wall or any work on the boundary line between properties a specific Notice(s) covering the required building work(s) needs to be served on all the Adjoining Owners.

If you would like confirmation of whether this applies please email details to admin​@lpws.co.uk or call David Brace on 07972 101 790.

For us to carry out this function a Letter of Appointment needs to be completed so we can legally act for you.

Party Wall Matters can become complicated and we recommend seeking professional advice before serving Notice yourself.

David will help you navigate through the legal and regulatory complexities without making costly and stressful mistakes. This will save you money, remove the hassle and help maintain a friendly and healthy relationship with your neighbours. He is experienced in amicable notices and agreements and has vast experience in party wall matters meaning you avoid disputes and are equipped with a workable plan to resolve any unexpected party wall issues that may arise and get on with your often long-awaited project calmly and safely!

They can either,

If we are acting for the Building Owner

1. consent to the works though we would always recommend a ‘Schedule of Condition’ is undertaken. This is a survey of the adjoining property’s current condition before the works commence and protects Building Owners and Adjoining Owners alike.
2. Agree to us acting as an impartial joint surveyor in producing a Party Wall Award or
3. Appoint their own surveyor who will work with us to produce the Party Wall Award.

If a Party Wall Award is prepared it will detail the works, any precautions that must be taken, and any other issues relating to the work.

Adjoining Owner(s) response- if we are not acting for the Building Owner.

If you have been served notice under the Party Wall etc Act, it is your right to appoint your own Surveyor to represent you. You may feel that the information provided to you is inadequate and you want to safeguard your interests.

1. We can act for you ensuring the Building Owner’s surveyor produces the correct paperwork.
2. Ensure that you are fully protected and any damages that occur are correctly assessed and rectified.
3. Ensure your safety, security and privacy is properly considered and safeguarded.

Dissenting to the notice is not dissenting to your neighbour’s project but requesting that a written legal agreement (A Party Wall Award) is put in place which includes a detailed survey of the current condition of your property before works commence.

As well as looking at the Building Owner’s proposals in detail and assessing any possible impact to your property, we will ensure all the correct paperwork, professionals and calculations are in place. This avoids any longer-term issues that could arise and the correct working practices are maintained throughout the project.

You are entitled under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 Act to instruct your own surveyor to look after your interests and the Building Owner who is conducting the project is responsible for all reasonable fees.